As 2009 kicks off, Honda is launching a new hybrid-only model that revives the Insight name on an altogether more practical machine. This time Honda is aiming for real mass market appeal with a price the company hopes will make the new Insight “The Hybrid for Everyone.” Honda invited us out to Arizona before Christmas to sample the new Insight and we can now tell you all about it. Read on to find out if Honda’s Insight is on target.

In many respects, the original Insight was what the EV1 might have evolved into if GM had followed some of the development paths it looked into. The parallels to the EV1 are numerous. As much as people like to mythologize the EV1, even if GM had continued to produce it, it is unlikely that it would ever have been a commercial success because of its configuration. As much as green car fans like to tout the facts that most people drive alone most of the time and don’t drive very far, the chasm between what people need most of the time and what they buy is a large one.

Part of Honda’s goal with the new Insight was to create a car that was recognizable as a hybrid. This led directly to the shape you see in the photos (check out the gallery). As both Toyota with the Prius and General Motors with the Volt, one of the keys to maximizing the efficiency is to minimize the aerodynamic drag. Hence the Insight has a shape that moves through the air with minimal resistance.

Let’s get right to the matter at hand that will be of most interest to ABG readers, the mileage. On the morning drive route I made no real attempt at maximizing efficiency beyond avoiding aggressive driving and leaving the econ mode engaged. On this route I managed a respectable 52 mpg. Even more impressive, the Insight proved to be a very enjoyable drive. It wasn’t quite up on the same performance level as the VW Jetta TDI, but the handling was easily on par with the Fit which is indeed a good place to be for a small car.

In the Insight Honda has created a compact car with outstanding fuel efficiency and all the best dynamic traits of the Fit. What it looses is some of the incredible packaging of its sibling. The lower profile means less passenger volume and the loss of the Fit’s rear magic seats. Nonetheless, the Insight has ample room for four adults and some cargo in the back. Honda expects the the Insight to score a 40/43 mpg city/highway rating for the EPA when the final numbers are in. Based on the experience I had driving in Arizona, that shouldn’t be hard to achieve in ideal conditions. We’ll be looking forward to see how it performs in colder and hotter weather.

Honda has not announced pricing yet, indicating they will wait until closer to the on-sale date of April 22. Honda spokesman Sage Marie indicated that the volatility of commodity prices like steel would make it unwise to lock down a price yet. Previously, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has alluded to a base price as low as $18,500 which is about the same as a loaded Fit Sport. Honda will likely try to keep the starting price under 20 grand. Regardless, Honda intends for the Insight to be the most affordable hybrid on the market and is planning on 200,000 world-wide sales annually, with half of those in North America. We can’t wait to spend more time with one.

Typical ABG First Drive article. Thorough, detailed, not much time wasted on what-if’s.

The car looks ideal for a small family vehicle. Sufficient performance. Terrific mileage.